[david800trail]

Love the machine.  Hated the ride (lack of quality) when new.  I already switched the shocks and bought the Elka Stage 1's all the way around.  I cannot believe the difference.  Well worth the $950.00, but might be the best money I ever spent!  I partially joined this forum to spread the good word on Elka's because I never saw anyone post about how absolutely horrible the stock shocks are and I never found anyone who switched to Elka and commented. Amazing difference. 

[NMKawierider]

Congrats...on the machine and the Elkas...lol. Had them on my Brute Force..night and day difference. Planning on a set for my trail/53 but just haven't done it yet. Kinda waiting for one of the stockers to start leaking...lol. Wanted stage 3s but if the stage 1s make that much difference..I can handle that expense better.

[glenlivet]

I partially joined this forum to spread the good word on Elka's because I never saw anyone post about how absolutely horrible the stock shocks are and I never found anyone who switched to Elka and commented. Amazing difference.

You didn't read my posts then.
http://cfmoto-forum.com/800ex800/zforce-800-trail-suspension-upgrade/75/

I too bought the 800 Trail, found the stock suspension was almost nonexistent, bought Elka Stage 1's all four, and posted about what an improvement they made. 
I too think the machine is great but what on Earth were they thinking putting those abysmal shocks on it to push them out the door?

[NMKawierider]

My friend has a RzR 800. When I got mine I let him test ride it while I drove his. It was amazing how much alike they were yet the RzR with the stock shocks was a little better..not much. Then he put a set of Fox shocks on his and it was hard to keep up with him. One day out camping we both took off in the Moto to check out some trails. Came across some stuff that I had to slow down on and he asked why? So I showed him..I maintained the same speed over that stuff and it almost tossed us out of the cab. He was shocked! When we got back to camp he said "let me show you something" and we jumped in his RzR. I could tell right off this wasn't the same machine I drove before. Went to the same place and he hit that same stuff going even faster ...and didn't hardly feel it.

So..yeah, the stock shocks suck and anything would be better..even FOX...lol

[ctdls]

There has been a reasonable amount of discussion specifically the ride quality of this unit.

I've used both Elka & Fox over the years more with mountain sleds than these of road vehicles. I had Stage 1 Elka's in my UFORCE 800 last season with good results & then the other member that posted in your thread here.

Either shock manufacturer has been good, I've found the Elka to be less fiddly to get dialed. Then being in Canada & Elka being in Canada it is less awkward for us & price point 

[david800trail]

Thanks Guys. 

NMKawierider  Borrow the money!  Lol  I believe that Elka doesn't recommend or list anything over stage 1 for that machine.  Based on what I know now unless I was racing, the stage 3 is a waste of money.  Compression and rebound on the stage 1's they built for me are spot on.  Mine have the 224lb by 10inch springs all the way around. I also asked them to provide the softest ride possible as I live in NH "The Granite State"  The rockiest, nastiest, rooted, bumpy terrain anywhere.  Flat smooth trails are rare where I ride.  I was thinking there would be more shock shaft showing as well, however it appears to be totally irrelevant so far.

Glenlivet  I just looked at your post and remember reading it right before the date where you posted the picture of the box of Elka's.  Thanks.

I am hoping I replied correctly?  I couldn't figure out a way to reply directly to a specific persons comment/post.  If there is a way please share on how to do that.  Thanks.

[glenlivet]

Thanks Guys. 

NMKawierider  Borrow the money!  Lol  I believe that Elka doesn't recommend or list anything over stage 1 for that machine.  Based on what I know now unless I was racing, the stage 3 is a waste of money.  Compression and rebound on the stage 1's they built for me are spot on.  Mine have the 224lb by 10inch springs all the way around. I also asked them to provide the softest ride possible as I live in NH "The Granite State"  The rockiest, nastiest, rooted, bumpy terrain anywhere.  Flat smooth trails are rare where I ride.  I was thinking there would be more shock shaft showing as well, however it appears to be totally irrelevant so far.

Glenlivet  I just looked at your post and remember reading it right before the date where you posted the picture of the box of Elka's.  Thanks.

It occurs to me that being on page 6 of a thread, my Elka experience posts aren't exactly in anyone's face.
I won't miss the adjustments, like say the valve rates chosen by Elka seem to be optimal anyway. As for the remote reservoirs of a stage 3 +, I made it a point a couple of times to stop and feel the reservoirs of my stage 3 King Quad Elkas after a bumpy and shock working ride and I could barely feel any additional warmth. If I were a racer maybe, but the way I ride I don't need any additional oil cooling or capacity.

Mine were 225 lb/in all four, 254 MM (10 inch) unloaded.  Same same like you, it seems. I found the rear shocks were about 3/16 shorter than the stock ones, eye to eye. I compensated for this with preload, to restore my ride height.
So I agree with everything you've said. How boring! 

We need to grow the 'club'.

[david800trail]

I agree Glenlivet!  I am trying to spread the good word on the shock swap.

[NMKawierider]

I don't need any convincing..the Elkas on my Brute changed it from a buckboard to a magic carpet ride. The only concern "was"..in that world anything less then Stage 3 was a waste of time. The fact that Stage-1s have so much positive effect on these CFMs is astounding....and has me shaking my head on the OE shocks.   

[cr2crf]

I've used both Elka & Fox over the years...Either shock manufacturer has been good, I've found the Elka to be less fiddly to get dialed...

I have a pretty good Fox connection so I am wanting your thoughts on Fox?  Anyone?

67 miles into this new machine and loving it.

[NMKawierider]

FOX makes a great shock too. If Elka is #1 Fox is #2. I wouldn't think twice especially if I could get a deal on a set. 

[david800trail]

Started looking around for 15w40 motorcycle oil.  I am wondering what brand you guys are using and would recommend?

[NMKawierider]

10w40 is fine. I used Castrol conventional until well broke in then switched to their Power RS or Power 1 synthetic. The 10w50 is easier to find and I may do that if the 10w40 gets ant tougher to find. A good 5w40 is OK too. I wouldn't use a 20w-anything in these though. I prefer a motorcycle oil but many like Shell's Rotella T4 which you can get in a 15w40. 

[david800trail]

Thanks for the information NMKawierider!  I did see the Rotella T4 15w40 and it does state JASO rated.  I will probably try that since it's $12.97 gallon at Wal-Mart.